America’s Next Top Model shaped reality TV, but should it ever have been made?

The enduring impact of “America’s Next Top Model” on the landscape of reality television is undeniable. However, a forthcoming documentary on Netflix promises to shed light on the more contentious aspects of the show’s history. This new film will feature Tyra Banks, the show’s creator and long-time host, alongside her fellow judges, as they reportedly confront a range of controversies that have emerged over the program’s extensive run. The series, which concluded its original broadcast in 2015, was a groundbreaking program that pushed the boundaries of reality competition formats. It launched the careers of numerous models and became a cultural touchstone for a generation. Yet, as the documentary is set to explore, the show was not without its significant ethical and social criticisms. These critiques have ranged from the treatment of contestants to problematic challenges and a perceived lack of sensitivity in certain editorial decisions. The upcoming documentary suggests a reckoning with these past issues, offering a retrospective examination of the show’s legacy and the accountability of its creators and participants. The decision by Banks and the judging panel to address these scandals directly indicates a potential shift in how such influential programs are viewed and discussed in the aftermath of their original airing. The narrative around “America’s Next Top Model” is poised for reevaluation, moving beyond its undeniable influence to a more critical assessment of its execution and lasting implications.